Galo draw the derby and take the decider to Arena MRV | OneFootball

Atlético drew 1-1 with Cruzeiro this Tuesday (25) at Mineirão in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals. After going behind, Galo responded and found the equalizer through Renan Lodi, who scored his fifth goal for the Club in his 40th appearance in the black-and-white shirt.

The result leaves the tie wide open for the second leg at Arena MRV.

Control and response

Galo controlled the first half and managed to limit the opponent’s actions. With 55% possession, Atlético completed 282 passes with an 89% success rate and had six shots, compared to Cruzeiro’s two.

Bernard played an important role in building attacking moves. From a corner kick, Vitor Hugo rose above his marker and headed the ball, but it went straight to the goalkeeper. Cuello also threatened from a set piece, redirecting the ball first time.

The main concern of the first half was Ruan. The center-back suffered a heavy fall after a challenge from Kaio Jorge and, even after receiving treatment, tried to stay on the field. After feeling it again, he left the game on medical advice. Vitão, a product of Galo’s academy, replaced him in the 18th minute.

Change in approach

The second half began with Atlético maintaining its intensity. Early on, Alan Franco was shown a yellow card for a foul on Kaio Jorge. Shortly after, Cuello was also booked.

In the 14th minute, Cruzeiro opened the scoring with a long-range strike from Arroyo.

Galo, however, was not shaken. In the 24th minute, the response came. Bernard started the move and found Cuello on the left. The forward drove forward and picked out Renan Lodi inside the box. Even from a tight angle, the left-back struck firmly to level things at Mineirão.

View this photo on InstagramA post shared by Clube Atlético Mineiro (@atletico)

Vitão’s personality

Photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético

On a derby night full of responsibility, young Vitão showed personality. Developed in Atlético’s youth ranks, the center-back came on in the first half in a delicate situation after Ruan went off.

Without feeling the weight of the moment, Vitão took his place in defense, played the rest of the match, and helped Galo maintain its defensive organization. The performance reinforces the importance of the work done in Atlético’s academy and shows a player ready to deliver when called upon.

Massa present

As always, the Massa stood by Galo away from home. In large numbers at Mineirão, Atlético supporters backed the team throughout the match and were also important during the team’s response after conceding.

The black-and-white presence turned the section reserved for Atlético fans into a constant source of support for the players, in yet another demonstration of the strength of the Massa.

Now Galo turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. On Saturday (29), the opponent is Vitória. The second match against Cruzeiro will also be in front of the Massa, at Arena MRV, next Tuesday (1), at 9:00 p.m.

📋 Match details

Cruzeiro 1 x 1 AtléticoCompetition: Copa do Brasil – Quarterfinals (first leg)Venue: Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

⚽ Goals: Arroyo, 14' of the 2nd half; Renan Lodi, 24' of the 2nd half

📋 Atlético: Everson; Alan Franco, Ruan (Vitão, 18' of the 1st half), Vitor Hugo, and Renan Lodi; Maycon (Natanael, 27' of the 2nd half), K. Castanho, Bernard (Minda, 27' of the 2nd half), Fred (Thiago Borbas, 41' of the 2nd half), Cuello (Preciado, 47' of the 2nd half), and Cassierra (Cissé, 41' of the 2nd half).Head coach: Eduardo Domínguez

🟨 Yellow cards: Alan Franco and Cuello

📋 Cruzeiro: Otávio; Fagner (William, 28' of the 2nd half), Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus (João Marcelo, at halftime), and Villalba; Lucas Romero, Gerson (Matheus Henrique, 41' of the 2nd half), Matheus Pereira, Wesley (João Costa, 27' of the 2nd half), Arroyo (Bruno Rodrigues, 45' of the 2nd half), and Kaio Jorge (Villarreal, 41' of the 2nd half).Head coach: Artur Jorge

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.